Packing for Europe in Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/AdobeStock_222272920-1024x683.jpeg\")
Ekaterina Pokrovsky | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nI recently visited Paris in the heart of December, where the average temperature (in Fahrenheit) usually hovers in the 30s and 40s. While there, evening temperatures dipped as low as 25 degrees and my wardrobe still held up to the chill. Here\u2019s what I packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Base Layer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My first line of defense against the cold is my thermal base layer. If you\u2019re going somewhere truly freezing or plan on being outside for long stretches of time, spring for something made for winter athletes<\/a>. For my purposes, I opted for a pair of black HEATTECH leggings<\/a> and two long sleeve HEATTECH shirts<\/a>. HEATTECH fabric is designed to direct the body\u2019s heat back at you and repel moisture. It\u2019s so thin and lightweight, I can hardly tell when I\u2019m wearing it underneath an outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n- An undershirt with a scoop neckline won\u2019t poke out from beneath the neckline of the sweater or shirt you choose to layer on top.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\nFrench bee Premium Economy Class: Is It Worth It?<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Shirts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Winter tops are going to take up a lot of luggage space, so fabrics that are warm yet thin like merino wool<\/a> are a lifesaver. Button ups layered with a thermal base shirt and light sweater or blazer will also do the trick. The largest item I packed was this bulky colorblock knit sweater<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s super warm and the four neutral colors match with anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n\n- Pack one or two outer layers (blazer or sweater) that can be reworn with multiple outfits<\/li>\n
- Shirts with looser silhouettes fit better over warm base layers.<\/li>\n
- Since shirts tend to be the least re-wearable item in a travel wardrobe, this is the best place to add a pop of color or pattern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Pants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To accommodate the luggage space taken up by bulkier tops, I made sure the few pants I packed were as versatile as possible. These black Levis<\/a> were the hero piece of my wardrobe\u2014they\u2019re flattering, can be reworn without wrinkling, and have the style of slacks with the comfort of stretch jeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe \u201cno jeans in Europe\u201d rule is outdated and varies widely from destination to destination, but there are a few rules to follow if you want to blend in like a local. Go with a dark wash straight-leg cut<\/a> and avoid light wash denim and anything with rips. Dress up the look by adding a fashionable belt<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n\n- Dark, neutral colors are key\u2014they\u2019re stylish and hide wrinkles from packing.<\/li>\n
- If you plan to wear a dress or skirt, try a pair of fleece-lined leggings<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\nThe Thinnest, Warmest Winter Clothes for Packing<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Street](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Paris-Metro-Lights-edited-scaled.jpg\")
Carol McPherson<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Shoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check the forecast before you leave. If snow is in your future, make sure your shoes can still stand up to hours of sightseeing in less-than-ideal conditions. I wore my Kamik Ariel Lo winter boots<\/a>. Their low profile and slight wedge heel made me feel much more put together than a typical snow boot. For indoor events or drier days, I suggest\u00a0 a comfortable pair of chelsea boots with a low heel.<\/a> For the eight hours on the plane, I packed a pair of house slippers<\/a> to swap into after boarding. These were also great for walking around the chilly hotel room in the evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n\n- Look for shoes made with water-resistant materials or use a waterproof shoe spray<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Layer an ankle sock<\/a> over a crew sock<\/a> on colder days to keep your toes warm and dry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Outerwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Outerwear is the trickiest item to pack for any trip. It either eats up space in your suitcase or leaves you sweating and cramped on the plane. A super lightweight synthetic jacket is your best bet (check out our recommendations here<\/a>). If you\u2019re like me and not sure whether your winter coat is stylish enough to take abroad, rest assured. There were peacoats and puffer jackets out in equal measure on the streets of Paris.\u00a0 Go with whatever will keep you the most comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
I recently visited Paris in the heart of December, where the average temperature (in Fahrenheit) usually hovers in the 30s and 40s. While there, evening temperatures dipped as low as 25 degrees and my wardrobe still held up to the chill. Here\u2019s what I packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Base Layer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My first line of defense against the cold is my thermal base layer. If you\u2019re going somewhere truly freezing or plan on being outside for long stretches of time, spring for something made for winter athletes<\/a>. For my purposes, I opted for a pair of black HEATTECH leggings<\/a> and two long sleeve HEATTECH shirts<\/a>. HEATTECH fabric is designed to direct the body\u2019s heat back at you and repel moisture. It\u2019s so thin and lightweight, I can hardly tell when I\u2019m wearing it underneath an outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French bee Premium Economy Class: Is It Worth It?<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Winter tops are going to take up a lot of luggage space, so fabrics that are warm yet thin like merino wool<\/a> are a lifesaver. Button ups layered with a thermal base shirt and light sweater or blazer will also do the trick. The largest item I packed was this bulky colorblock knit sweater<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s super warm and the four neutral colors match with anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To accommodate the luggage space taken up by bulkier tops, I made sure the few pants I packed were as versatile as possible. These black Levis<\/a> were the hero piece of my wardrobe\u2014they\u2019re flattering, can be reworn without wrinkling, and have the style of slacks with the comfort of stretch jeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201cno jeans in Europe\u201d rule is outdated and varies widely from destination to destination, but there are a few rules to follow if you want to blend in like a local. Go with a dark wash straight-leg cut<\/a> and avoid light wash denim and anything with rips. Dress up the look by adding a fashionable belt<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Thinnest, Warmest Winter Clothes for Packing<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Check the forecast before you leave. If snow is in your future, make sure your shoes can still stand up to hours of sightseeing in less-than-ideal conditions. I wore my Kamik Ariel Lo winter boots<\/a>. Their low profile and slight wedge heel made me feel much more put together than a typical snow boot. For indoor events or drier days, I suggest\u00a0 a comfortable pair of chelsea boots with a low heel.<\/a> For the eight hours on the plane, I packed a pair of house slippers<\/a> to swap into after boarding. These were also great for walking around the chilly hotel room in the evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outerwear is the trickiest item to pack for any trip. It either eats up space in your suitcase or leaves you sweating and cramped on the plane. A super lightweight synthetic jacket is your best bet (check out our recommendations here<\/a>). If you\u2019re like me and not sure whether your winter coat is stylish enough to take abroad, rest assured. There were peacoats and puffer jackets out in equal measure on the streets of Paris.\u00a0 Go with whatever will keep you the most comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTakeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
The Shirts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Takeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\n
The Pants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Takeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
The Shoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Takeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\n
The Outerwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Takeaway Tips:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n